Teachers

Laurie Bell Art Teacher

Laurie Bell has a B.A. in Fine Arts from W.S.U and an M.A. in Education from the University of Portland. Laurie has over a decade of teaching art for students in grades K-12. Mrs. Bell lives in the White Salmon area with her husband and children. She has a love for horses, hiking, camping, gardening and of course Art!

Nick CollinsSr High Math & Chemistry Teacher

Nick Collins is currently finishing his degree in Applied Health Science from Arizona State University. He spent 2 years studying Pastoral Ministry at Multnomah Bible College and has several years of experience leading Youth Groups and Small Groups. Nick is married and lives in The Dalles with his wife, Heather. He enjoys outdoor activities here in the Gorge, working on computers, traveling, and cats.

Jim Brown 7th - 12th Grade Science Teacher

Jim Brown attended Cypress Junior College and San Diego State University and received a B.S. degree in Zoology pre-dental from Cal Poly Pomona, Pomona, California . Jim played college baseball for two years. He and his wife, Cathy, have four children and six grandchildren. They attend Faith Bible Church in Hood River. In his spare time, Jim enjoys the art of hunting. Mr. Brown has been with Horizon Christian School for many years and has taught a wide variety of courses including Biology, PE, Algebra ½ and Algebra 1, Government/Economics, SAT Prep, and 7th grade World Studies.

Melissa HardinHigh School Spanish Teacher

Melissa Hardin began teaching Spanish at Horizon Christian in January 2011. She has a BA degree from Vanguard University in Religion: Educational Ministries. She and her husband, Tim, spent a year in Colombia where Melissa further developed her Spanish as a missionary assistant. They have three children who attend Horizon Christian School: Luke, Adam and Emily. Melissa enjoys crocheting, sewing, scrapbooking, reading – and her family. They attend Hood River Alliance Church.

Ray Kempf 9th- 12th Grade Bible Teacher & 7-12 Electives

Ray Kempf has a BA in Literature with education emphasis from Washington State University and an MA in Philosophy from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Ray has also been involved in pastoral ministry since 1997. He and his wife, Faith, currently attend Grace Baptist Church. Some of Ray's hobbies include chopping wood, playing chess, reading the Bible, and thinking. At Horizon Christian School, Mr. Kempf teaches 8th grade Speech & Logic, 9th and 10th grade Geography, Bible classes for students in grades 9 through 12, and a Geometry class.

Collette Kingrey Blended 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher

Collette Kingrey has been teaching at Horizon for thirteen years. In this time, she has earned an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She will obtain full-licensure in the spring of 2017.

As a dedicated teacher and an enthusiastic continuous learner, she believes in preparing and providing a classroom environment that welcomes ample doses of child-like wonder and inquiry that stirs-up lots of delightful questions that beg a child's exploration and discovery. She is deeply committed to challenging her students to think critically about the world that surrounds them each day and to develop ways to solve problems through working out simple solutions.

Mrs. Kingrey endeavors to cultivate a positive and supportive classroom community that allows each child to grow in their own unique God-designed way. On a daily basis her aim is to encourage and guide students to practice healthy social and emotional strategies essential to establishing a safe and caring school atmosphere that allows all children to be confident in their relationships with others.

Academically, students will work to improve their understanding of developmentally appropriate concepts in learning areas such as math and science and to progress towards mastery in reading and beginning writing.

For the past 32 years, Collette and Kevin Kingrey, have made the beautiful Columbia River Gorge their home. They have three adult children, Hannah, Tyson, and Emma. When she is not in her classroom, Mrs. Kingrey can be found in her garden or somewhere outdoors.

When not on the trail she is in her beloved kitchen cooking up something for family and friends while listening to good music. She has also been known to paint wall-sized sea creatures and to devour a few good books.

Christopher Layton has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Portland State University in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in English and his MA from George Fox University. He taught writing and literature, Bible, and church history for four years at the college level and has a variety of other work experiences including curriculum assistant, director of education, and youth pastor. Christopher is married to Rochelle and they have a son. Mr. Layton's interests include woodworking, cooking, bicycling, snow boarding, and reading.

Marie MillerBlended 5th & 6th Grade Teacher

Marie Miller has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Northwest Nazarene University. She has several years of teaching experience ranging from pre school through elementary. Marie was a member and Team Captain of her Track and Cross Country Team in college and enjoys making crafts, projects and reading.

Jared NagreenBlended 3rd/4th Grade Teacher

Jared is an alumni of Horizon Christian School and a graduate of George Fox University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. He was on the Dean's List and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Before coming to Horizon Christian, Jared spent six months in India where he taught at a small private school.

"My desire is to impact others and promote excellence in the classroom while setting a Godly example for my students to follow," commented Jared. "I believe that we are created in the image of God. Our purpose is to have fellowship with God and to glorify Him with our words, thoughts, and actions. Christian education gives students and teachers countless opportunities to build and strengthen knowledge and the understanding of who we are and why we are here."

Jared and his wife, Alyssa, attend Shepherd of the Valley Bible Church where he is active on the worship team. Jared has a variety of interests including sports, music, ceramics, art, hunting, fishing, and sport shooting.

Nancy Rinella Librarian & On-Line Classes Instructor

Nancy Rinella has a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University in Liberal Studies/Pre-Education. She taught at a Christian school and has been a substitute teacher.

Nancy has been involved in her community as a board member and vice-president of the Columbia Gorge Pregnancy Resource Center and served on the Board of Trustees for Horizon Christian School. Nancy and her husband Joe, have four children and attend the HR Alliance Church where they are involved in ministry.

Betsy Robertson Kindergarten Teacher

Betsy Robertson joined Horizon Christian School with 23 years of teaching experience. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University and holds a Oregon Teaching Licence as well as a Reading endorsement from the University of Portland. Betsy has been active in Children's Ministries within their church, and leading music. Betsy and her husband Bryan have two children, Kai and Miyana, who attend Horizon.

Sheila Sletmoe attended Portland State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting, and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Sheila has taught at Horizon Christian since 2003. She and her husband, Eric, have two daughters. She attends Hood River Alliance Church and enjoys doing many things including hiking, biking, gardening, skiing, and windsurfing . . . . .when she is not reading.

Oscar Stenberg, III Jr High Science & Bible Teacher

Oscar Stenberg has a BS in biological science and a Masters in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has been teaching at Horizon Christian School, or one of its predecessor schools, since its founding in 1977. Prior to that he taught for one year at Faith Academy in the Philippines and three years at Wy'east Middle School.

Oscar and his wife, Helen, raised nine children and have six grandchildren. His hobbies including reading and watching and playing sports. They attend Faith Bible Church.

Susan Wade earned a BA in language arts education from Seattle Pacific University, graduating summa cum laude, and received her Washington State teaching certificate through the University of Washington. She also holds a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Seattle Pacific University and an Oregon State teacher's license. She has taught at every level from kindergarten through 12th grade and has public and private Christian school experience, including a two-year term in a one-room school for grades K-8 in Taiwan. (Ten students in seven different grades -- what an experience!) Prior to coming to Horizon, she lived in Hong Kong with her husband and two boys for 12 years, working in lay leadership development in the local churches as well as teaching English, history and drama and developing the community service program at International Christian School. Mrs Wade currently teaches all of the high school social science courses and 7th grade math. She is also Yearbook teacher.

Shannon WenzPre-Kindergarten Director & Teacher

Shannon Wenz has been working with pre-kindergarten children for ten years, including three years as owner and director of a pre-school program.

"I believe that God has gifted me to work with children" said Shannon. "I love to get them excited about learning. I love being silly with them, but also passionate about God's love for them. Working with children and teaching them is the best, and the joy that comes from teaching them about God's holy word can't be put into words!"

Shannon and her husband Bill have three children and attend Living Faith Church in Stevenson, Washington. She enjoys camping, dancing, and the beach.